Short History: Formation of Rockville Chamber of Commerce

Edgar Reed was one of the first members of the Rockville Chamber of Commerce when it was formed in August 1925. Sixty business and professional men of Rockville and vicinity gathered at the Montgomery County Country Club and elected officers for the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Edgar was elected to the Executive Board and as Chairman of the Better Business Bureau committee.

The Montgomery County Sentinel. Sept 25, 1925

From The Montgomery County Sentinel, September 25, 1925:

The purpose of the organization is set forth as “advancing the commercial, industrial and civic interests of Rockville and vicinity and to promote integrity and good faith in matters of business.”

The President was authorized to appoint committees on sanitation, public utilities, perks and playgrounds, schools, program and publicity, and the appointment of committees to cooperate with various organizations of the county for the celebration on October 2, 1926, of the 150th anniversary of the creation of Montgomery County; to investigate all stock selling schemes in the county, and to collect and invoice statistics concerning Rockville and possibilities for its future development.

The group attempted to resolve traffic and parking problems, advocate public improvements, and generally upgrade the town. Members served on the town council and generously supported the Rockville Volunteer Fore Department. Under the leadership of W. Valentine Wilson and others, the group espoused progressive ideas on behalf of improved education, economic development, and civic improvement. In 1926, Wilson commissioned a twelve-minute long movie featuring the best of Rockville—its business establishments, new firehouse, and dairy production, boasting “clean cows—clean udders—clean milk.” Organizing the Chamber marked a coming of age of Rockville’s business community. Common ground for the merchants further bonded the small town.

An integral part of the Rockville area’s past, present and future, the Rockville Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the thousands of businesses that proudly call Rockville their home.

Sources of Information:
Montgomery County Sentinel
Rockville Portrait of a City by Eileen S. McGuckian